Something More

Chapter Twenty

Nate didn't try to hold my hand again. Somehow I was thankful about that. Eddy kept his eyes on Kevin while I ate. It was somewhat uncomfortable.

Ed and Nate continued to speak about the football team, I could tell Ed was zoning out for the majority of the conversation, but Nate didn't seem to mind. Eddy tapped the table, seeming to become more impatient by the minute.

"Thanks for stopping by our table." Eddy was pointedly talking to Nate, swiftly ignoring Kevin. Ed reached into his jacket inside pocket and pulled out a worn comic book.

Nate shrugged, giving him a heart warming smile. Eddy wasn't affected, but I certainly was. I could feel Kevin look at me as a soft blush rose on my face.

"Thanks for having us." The black haired boy replied. His hair was almost the shade mine was. If the green wasn't there he could possibly look like a family member of mine.

"You can stay, but.." Eddy looked over at Kevin, Nate followed his gaze appearing confused. "That's going to have to leave." He was clearly talking about the heart stopping boy beside me.

Kevin, who had just been looking at me, met Eddy's hard gaze with his own nonchalant one. "What? You're afraid I'll punch you again?"

I wasn't sure what he was talking about. He has punched Eddy before, but that was in middle school. This was.. recent?

"Of course not. I'm afraid you'll attract more kids with transparent GPA's." Eddy easily countered. "No offense." He quickly added to Nate, who didn't seem offended. I stifled a laugh, it was instinctual. Kevin's friends weren't the brightest. Most fit and attractive yes, but I wasn't going to copy off of them to save my life.

"At least I don't use my friends for my own selfish, personal gain!" Kevin started to raise his voice, but seemed to catch himself.

"What the fuck do you care?! He's not your friend so he shouldn't matter to you. So get your stupid, jock ass out of my business." I wasn't sure what to think of that. He didn't deny what Kevin said, was it true? I was about to correct Eddy's language, but my head was spinning.

After Nate attempted holding my hand I was calm, less jumpy; so when a palm slid into my own I didn't react. Only, it wasn't on Nate's side.

I glanced at Kevin, but he kept his eyes on Eddy, both of them glaring at one another. His skin was warm and rough against my own soft hand. I wasn't sure what it meant, but it made my heart skip a beat.

We stayed like that until the bell rang, which didn't take long. I hadn't finished my lunch, in fact, I barely started. I was in the middle of packing my food away, but Ed gave me the most pitiful expression. I sighed and slid my lunch across the table. Ed, who was apparently still hungry, nearly inhaled what was left of my meal.

"Hey, dork can I talk to you for a minute?" His nickname for me wasn't very encouraging. Actually, it was extremely irritating.

"What do you want Kevin?" My words were sharp and to the point. His eyebrows furrowed.

"What's your problem?" He meant my attitude, I could assume.

"I don't appreciate the nickname." I put simply. I didn't. There wasn't anything endearing or friendly about it at all. It was a label that made me feel beneath him and no where near in a pleasant way.

Kevin bit his bottom lip, I couldn't help but follow the action with my eyes. "I'm sorry." I hadn't expected that. I was expecting a joke, but he seemed sincere. The heat of his hand around my own still lingered. I couldn't help but feel hope.

I smiled, my head tilting a bit in the process. "It's quite alright."

He stared at me for a few seconds. I couldn't believe what was happening. Kevin's high cheekbones turned the dimmest shade of pink as he stood casually. I was ready to assume he was growing ill, but that didn't seem likely. He was blushing, and I couldn't help but hope I was the reason why.

I tried thinking of something to say when I frowned. "You punched Eddy." It came out as a statement rather than a question.

Kevin frowned, his skin turned a few shades paler. I waited for a response but didn't receive one. It was odd really. I never stood in the middle of a semi-crowded public room, talking to him before. This alone felt like a dream.

Kevin shifted in his stance. He eyed someone that stood behind me and his gaze darkened. I nearly jumped out of my skin when two arms wrapped around my waist. I immediately grabbed my hat, usually when this happened I was lifted and thrown somewhere.

"What're you guys talking about?" It was Nate. His voice and breath was warm in an almost pleasant way.

Kevin still hadn't spoken, so I did. "Nothing important. I should get to class. It was delightful seeing you again." I smiled kindly at Nate, he took the signal to release me.

I took my leave and began walking to my next class.